BATTLING MOSQUITOES

Now that the warm weather has arrived – we want to be outside enjoying it! However, mosquitoes can send us running back inside. Mosquitoes breed in standing or stagnant water by laying their eggs on the surface of the water. There are countless products available for combating mosquitoes but one way to reduce their numbers is to reduce their breeding sites. Mosquitoes roam a radius territory from their breeding site so cleaning up your property is important.

The common areas to regularly clean or possibly turn over so that they do not collect water when not being used:· buckets· children’s swimming pools or wagons· neglected birdbaths· uncovered boats· the bottom of plant pots· covers for swimming pools· wheelbarrows· sluggish drainage ditches that need to be corrected to drain more efficiently· children’s toys that stay outside· pooling water under leaky faucets

However, the most commonly overlooked breeding site for mosquitoes around our homes is a clogged eavestrough (rain gutter). Debris such as sticks and leaves can create pools of stagnant water which may be a perfect breeding site. After you clean your eavestroughs, make sure that your downspout doesn’t leave a pool of water where it exists.

Cleaning your gutters will not only help to reduce your mosquito population but will help your eavestrough carry the water away from your foundation walls thereby decreasing the possibility of a wet basement.

For more seasonal tips for the maintenance of your home, go to the “Home Maintenance” section of our website at: www.CanadianResidential.com

SAFETY NOTICE - Homeowners often want to perform maintenance themselves to save money. It is important to keep in mind that there are many areas of home maintenance that are best left to professionals. For example, electrical work, entering an attic, or climbing on roofs and ladders to name a few of the hazardous activities. It is better to take the safe choice if there is any question as to the ability of the homeowner to perform any maintenance task.

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